BEER-swilling ladettes who emulate the boys by downing pints may be increasing their risk of a disfiguring skin disease, research suggests.

Women who drank five or more pints a week doubled their chances of developing psoriasis.

The link was specific to regular "non-light" beers. Consuming other kinds of drinks, including "light" beer, red and white wine and spirits, had no effect on psoriasis risk.

Scientists believe the starchy grains in beer may account for the finding. Starch sources, such as barley, contain gluten which is known to be associated with psoriasis. Lower amounts of grain are used to make light beers.